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Boehner to Step Down

In an unexpected move, House Speaker and Ohio native John Boehner has told Republicans that he will step down at the end of October.

The 13-term Ohio Republican took over as speaker in January 2011 and by stepping down not only gives up his leadership post, but his seat in Congress.

The move comes in the face of hard line conservative opposition.

Florida Representative John Mica said Boehner, "Just does not want to become the issue."

Conservatives demanded that any legislation to keep the government operating past next Wednesday’s midnight deadline strip Planned Parenthood of his funds, a stance opposed by some lawmakers. The dispute threatened Boehner’s Speakership and agitated the GOP caucus.